Every family has those members who are remembered for having outstanding personalities. I had an uncle who was just such a character: witty, jovial, talented, and totally unique. Although he passed away some years ago, after a long, well-lived life, we still laugh with fond memories of him. If I had to name a characteristic of my own personality, I would pick “curious”. I am curious about this big, beautiful world we live in, the people I meet every day, and the treasures hidden in Scripture waiting for me to discover them.
There are some big personalities in Scripture, and one of them was King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. A man a large ego, he revelled in his own authority and intelligence: “As he looked out across the city, he said, ‘Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendour’. While these words were still in his mouth, a voice called down from heaven, ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom.'” (Daniel 4:30-31 ESV). For a period of seven seasons, the king was driven from society, demented and dirty, until he looked up to heaven, in praise and worship of God. As he did so, his sanity was returned to him, as was his rulership. Why was his sanity taken, and not conquest, famine, or insurrection? Possibly, rationality was what Nebuchadnezzar valued the most, and as he abused that ability in self-glorification, it was taken until he acknowledged God.
Curiosity can be used to honour God, as I explore, seek to understand, write and teach others about God’s Word, or it can be abused in gossip, self-interest, or looking too much at unwholesome things. I can share my curiosity to help others, or use it to put others down. If I don’t praise and honour God with what He was gifted me with, He may take what is most valuable away from me, to teach me a hard lesson, as He did with the king of Babylon. So, I strive to do what the apostle Paul counsels in Philippians 3:13: “…but I focus on this one thing. Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (ESV)
Prayer: Thank you, dear Lord, for the gifts and personalities which You have given us, and pray that each day we may use those blessings to bless others, showing grace for the sake of the rich grace You have shown us. Amen.
Shirley Moulton
